strong to annoy the enemy by blowing over to them the heat and smoke. Should you do this, fire the timber all around, and make it thorough.

I am, general, very respectfully, &c.,

G. M. SORREL.

[11.]

HDQRS. TWENTY-SIXTH NORTH CAROLINA TROOPS,
Kinston, N. C., June 15, 1862.

Honorable GEORGE W. RANDOLPH,

Secretary of war:

(Through Brigadier-General Martin, commanding First Brigade.)

SIR: Pardon me for troubling you once more and for the last time about the troops I have been endeavoring to raise. Several companies are now in camp, and others are drilling at home, and some have been taken from me, and put into another regiment. I learn that both General Holmes and the State authorities have advised the War Department to disband my troops on the ground that when our present regiments are filled to the maximum, North Carolina will have more than her quota in the field, and I find it impossible to raise and organize troops with both State and Confederate authorities against me, and hae therefore quit trying to get my companies together. I hope that you will issue an order in the matter at once, that I may know what to do with those in camp. Supporing of course that General Holmes and Governor Clark's advice will be followed, I have been waiting some ten days for your orders.

Very respectfully,

Z. B. VANCE,

Colonel Twenty-sixth North Carolina Troops.

[First indorsement.]

HDQRS. FIRST BRIGADE, ARMY OF THE PAMLICO,
Camp Johnson, near Kinston, June 17, 1862.

Respectfully forwarded.

J. G. MARTIN,

Brigadier-General.

[Second indorsement.]

HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA,
June 17, 1862.

Respectfully forwarded with the remark that no obstacle has been interposed by me to Colonel Vance raising his legion.

TH. H. HOLMES,

Major-General, Commanding.

[Third indorsement.]

ADJUTANT AND INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE,

July 8, 1862.

Respectfully submitted to the Secretary of War.

John WITHERS,

Assistant Adjutant-General.

[Fourth indorsement.]

Inform him that no advice has been received from Governor Clark and that the Department is not informed of any obstacle interposed by General Holmes, but considering the attempt as abandoned order all ready